Ruts DC - Electracoustic Volume One [Limited Edition] (2021)

The Ruts DC’s intriguing transformation from electric to acoustic (via The Rebellion Festival Almost Acoustic stage) results in a disarmingly emotive eleven prime Ruts and Ruts DC cuts. The deep political Rollins approved lyrics and riffage on opener ‘This Music Must Destroy’ is not so much muted as revitalised as the songs newly tipped angle simply pours more rich and wholesome scorn across the cuts ever-relevant subject matter. 1981’s ‘Dangerous Minds’ is still superb but it’s 2016’s ‘Kill The Pain’ that gets both the hairs and ears standing to attention. It’s my favourite Ruts/Ruts DC song and nothing is lost from its deadline day transfer deal from electric to acoustic clubs. A stripped-back duo of ‘The West One’ and the anti chorus strut ‘n’ pomp of ‘In A Rut’ make a glorious top-shelf winning double. ‘Something That I Said’ has a refreshed resonating depth before the constant chopping advance of the venomous ‘Psychic Attack’.

The musicianship (& production) throughout is perfect and Segs’s nicely maturing pipes hold it all together with experienced performing aplomb. The corn gets chewed on ‘Walk Or Run’ while ‘Soft City Lights’ wistfully meanders down deserted moonlit Camden streets. B-side ‘H-Eyes’ highlights the consequences of drug abuse and specifically heroin, a subject that has travelled with and shadowed the band since original lead singer Malcolm Owen passed away in 1980. The albums final track has to be and is the jukebox anthem and the first song on every Best Of, Punk/New Wave/driving/ fathers day compilation, etc release, ‘Babylons Burning’. The songs instantly recognisable riff, bassline and chant-along chorus remain, much like Ruts DC, utterly timeless. Whether enjoyed acoustically or in the full-bloodied electric form Ruts DC have an ever-evolving body of work that deserves your uninterrupted musical attention and this wonderful collection reminds us of that with every subtle note, word and cherry red memory.